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Bandera Mountain is a challenging hike up to the summit. You'll be rewarded with views of Mount Rainier and Mason Lake.
This hike has unreal views of Mount Rainier. On a great clear spring day, the mountain is out. It's right in your face. It's incredible. If you tackle this hike in the spring the bear grass and wildflowers are alive and blooming towards the top and it makes for some fantastic picture-taking. Once at the top there is a picturesque view of Mason Lake.
You start out on Bandera Mountain/Ira Spring Trail Trailhead #1038. There is a turn-off to the left towards Mason Lake - you will want to go straight to get to the top of Bandera Mountain to see the beargrass and wildflowers. It is a STEEP scramble and many people turn around if they are not prepared for the steepness. Hiking boots are required. Camping is also available at Mason Lake with a permit that needs to be redeemed before the hike and placed on your car and pack.
If the hike is a little long for your taste, you can turn around at Little Bandera and save about 3.25 miles roundtrip.
Getting there: Take exit 45 off of I-90 and turn north onto FR 9030. Stay left onto FR 9031. Follow it to its end and the trailhead for the Ira Spring Trail #1038. Road is one-lane gravel and dirt. GPS Coordinates: 47.4247, -121.5836
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